Local delivery of net zero is of paramount importance to delivering the UK’s climate targets, but a better, longer-term, more strategic approach is needed.
Following his Net Zero Review, Chris Skidmore established the Mission Zero Coalition in March 2023, which was formed out of a number of networks, one being a Local Mission Zero network. That network has now launched a report, delving into the continued challenges facing the local delivery of net zero, before taking steps to forge them into a new framework which will ensure local authorities and regions have the certainty they need to go forwards and cut emissions.
Issues facing the local delivery of net zero include there being no clear framework on local net zero action and no statutory duty; a complicated funding landscape, with a whole host of different pots and varied application criteria and restrictions; inconsistent local mission and target setting; and issues around the planning system, with these in particular proving to be a real barrier to net zero action.
To rectify these, it went on to make a series of recommendations, with key ones including the introduction of a Local Net Zero Charter, where responsibilities are agreed and the partnership between the government, devolved governments and regional, city and local authorities is enhanced.
It also is advocating for a speeding up of the adoption, consistency and success of Local Area Energy Plans across the UK; the development of a local Net Zero Delivery Framework to enable collaboration between the UK government and local and regional authorities; for a simplifying and enhancing of the net zero funding and financing landscape, supporting local and regional authorities with longer-term certainty, while also enabling effective public-private partnerships that can unlock inward investment; and for an urgent review into the National Planning Policy Framework to be launched, all with the aim of ensuring it is better aligned to the scale and urgency of the net zero, nature recovery and adaptation challenges.
